5 civilians killed, 20 injured in suicide attack

CHARIKAR (PAN): Five civilians were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide attack on an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) convoy in the Tagab district of central Kapisa province on Friday, an official said.

The explosion took place at around 7am in a bazaar near Qalay-i-Saleh village, the district's administrative chief, Abdul Qudus Safi, told Pajhwok Afghan News. He said five civilians, including two children, were killed and 20 others injured in the attack.

Without commenting on their condition, he said the injured were under medical treatment at a hospital.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing, saying that the target was an ISAF convoy passing the area. The group's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid said 12 NATO-led soldiers were killed and two of its vehicles damaged.

But the NATO-led force rejected the claim as groundless. “At this time, there are no reports of ISAF fatalities or injuries, but initial reports indicate the blast killed several Afghan civilians.” a statement from the force said.